September 8

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was mostly sunny with a temperature of 53 degrees and a gentle breeze from the west. Starting out, I descended the hill, passed Mallard Marsh and hiked through Bobolink Meadow where I scared up a dozen pheasants. I turned at the entrance to North Woods and headed south toward Willow Wallow where I spotted some Woolgrass. Also, I was reminded of earlier in the week seeing a lovely white Egret taking off from the pond and flying toward South Woods. I turned again at the pond and walked west into Succession Field where the blossoming Goldenrod colored the landscape yellow. Most of the plants were Canadian goldenrod. However, some were Lance-leaf Goldenrod. Many people believe that these plants cause hay fever. They are unfairly blamed because their showy flowers bloom at the same time as less conspicuous Ragweed flowers that cause the itching and sneezing. In fact, Goldenrod pollen is too heavy to be carried on the wind. Instead, it is carried by insects that pollinate the flowers. Also, I spotted a few white Turtlehead blossoms. Next, I stepped off the path and went over to find the decomposing deer. Since the dead body has been there for nine months, what was left of the remains was difficult to find being covered with dense grass. I continued to circle Succession Field and instead of heading to Artist Overlook, I turned north and walked back to Willow Wallow. I hiked along the edge of the pond and climbed Reflection Hill where I saw two Canada Geese fly overhead. It’s been several weeks since I’ve seen or heard these familiar birds. Descending the hill, I followed the trail south to Frog Fen where I found a Japanese beetle sitting on a Wild Grape leaf. Adult Japanese beetles feed on foliage, flowers, and fruits. Leaves are typically skeletonized or left with only a network of veins. The larvae, commonly known as white grubs, primarily feed on roots of grasses often destroying turf in lawns, parks, and golf courses. I passed Brady Cemetery and entered Native Grassland where I was pleased to see an abundance of Indian Grass growing tall in the field as part of our prairie restoration project. I continued north and stopped at Grebe Pond. Moving along the edge of the pond, I headed to the barn where I spotted some Nodding Smartweed. This plant is sometimes called “swollen knees” because of the swollen joints along the stems. Its leaves and stems can be used for tea for treating fevers and diarrhea. The whole plant is antiseptic; a soapy tea-wash made with the leaves and stems can be applied to cuts, sores, and burns, or used like soap for bathing. Finally, I passed the Classroom Building and got in the van for my homeward journey.

I'm pondering the meadowlands That lay around the bend, The tall grass waving gently Like ripples in the wind; Away from madding crowds and noise, Reclusing while I'm there, I'll have the peace of mind I'd sought, And breathe the country air. To get away a little while Is the respite that I need, And in the meadowlands, I know, My hungry soul will feed.

Tom Kraft